RESPECTING THE GIFT OF THE BISHOPRIC OF THE ISLE OF MAN, 1546

RESPECTING THE GIFT OF THE BISHOPRIC OF THE ISLE OF MAN.

A.D. 1546.

THE King to all to whom, etc, Greeting. Since the bishopric of the Isle
of Man is destitute of a pastor, and has been sometime vacant, through
the death of the last bishop and incumbent of the same, and is vacant
at this present time, and which exists in full right of our gift, concession,
and patronage.

Know that we, of our special favor, as well as of our certain knowledge
and mere will, have given and conceded, and by these presents do give
and concede, with charitable intent, to our beloved chaplain Henry Man,
professor of sacred theology, the said bishopric of the Isle of Man aforesaid,
and we appoint and depute the said Henry Man to be bishop of the, said
bishopric, with all and singular the advantages, rights and emoluments
whatsoever, as well spiritual as temporal, of the said bishopric, together
with all superior liberties, privileges and gifts, manors as well as houses,
lands, tenements, pools, waters, fisheries, and all churches whatsoever
in the said bishopric, appropriated and annexed to the bishop of the same
for the time being. To obtain use and enjoy the same, and that he may
enjoy freely and lawfully as long as he may live, in such ample manner
and form, as the aforesaid late bishop and incumbent whilst alive, or
any other of his predecessors, by right of the said bishopric, held, enjoyed,
occupied and possessed, together with all emoluments whatsoever, accruing
and appertaining thereto, at any time since the death of the said bishop
and incumbent thereof, without let of us or of our heirs, or of any others
whomsoever, any act or statute by our Parliament heretofore published,
or to be published to the contrary, or in any other affair, cause or matter
whatsoever, in any way notwithstanding, and notwithstanding that express
mention exists of the true annual value or surety of the premises, or
of any one of them, in these presents, and entrusting by these presents
to the care, rule, government, and administration of the said bishopric,
and of those dwelling therein, to the said Henry, in the Lord.

And furthermore, since the said Island is situated nigh to the territories
of our enemies, and on the high seas, and the bishop of .the same for
the time being was with difficulty compelled to the payment of Tenths
and First Fruits, in times past, or the bishopric of the same we are informed,
was or is taxed at this present, we therefore of our abundant grace, do
also exonerate and will the said Henry to be quit and free, during his
natural life, as aforesaid, from all payment of Tenths, as well as of
First Fruits, by these presents.